Comic Book History Key Moments in Comic Publishing
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Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics #1
Eastern Color
•
1933
•
Vol. 1
Second published comic book in a modern-sized format, previous comics were published in larger tabloid-sized formats
This comic was a 64-page one-shot of reprinted newspaper comics strips distributed through department stores
Funnies On Parade published prior to this issue is considered the first modern format comic book but was only eight pages of reprinted newspaper comic strips
Second published comic book in a modern-sized format, previous comics were published in larger tabloid-sized formats
This comic was a 64-page one-shot of reprinted newspaper comics strips distributed through department stores
Funnies On Parade published prior to this issue is considered the first modern format comic book but was only eight pages of reprinted newspaper comic strips
Famous Funnies: Series 1 #1
Dell
•
1934
•
Vol. 1
First comic book to be sold on newsstands
Estimated print run of 35,000 copies though there is thought to be fewer than 10 still in existence and the highest graded copy is a 4.5
First comic book to be sold on newsstands
Estimated print run of 35,000 copies though there is thought to be fewer than 10 still in existence and the highest graded copy is a 4.5
Famous Funnies #1
Eastern Color
•
1934
•
Vol. 1
First ongoing monthly comic book to be sold on newsstands
New Fun Comics #1
DC
•
1935
•
Vol. 1
First comic book published by National which would later become DC comics
1st appearance of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, preceded Mickey Mouse but eventually fell into obscurity
1st appearance of Jack Woods
First comic book published by National which would later become DC comics
1st appearance of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, preceded Mickey Mouse but eventually fell into obscurity
1st appearance of Jack Woods
New Fun Comics #3
DC
•
1935
•
Vol. 1
First science fiction themed cover art in comics
First interior color pages in comics (partial)
First science fiction themed cover art in comics
First interior color pages in comics (partial)
New Fun Comics #6
DC
•
1935
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Doctor Occult, one of the earliest superheroes in history
First artwork by Joe Shuster, co-creator of Superman
First written work by Jerry Siegel, co-creator of Superman
1st appearance of a vampire in comic books
1st appearance of Doctor Occult, one of the earliest superheroes in history
First artwork by Joe Shuster, co-creator of Superman
First written work by Jerry Siegel, co-creator of Superman
1st appearance of a vampire in comic books
Feature Book
David McKay
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
First Dick Tracy headlining title
First comic book to feature just one character throughout the entirety of the issue
First Dick Tracy headlining title
First comic book to feature just one character throughout the entirety of the issue
More Fun Comics #9
DC
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
First standard-sized comic book
Famous Funnies #27
Eastern Color
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
First partial photo cover in comic book history
First true crime story in a standard comic book
First partial photo cover in comic book history
First true crime story in a standard comic book
More Fun Comics #16
DC
•
1936
•
Vol. 1
First time an issue number appears on a comic book cover
Cover art depicting Christmas
First time an issue number appears on a comic book cover
Cover art depicting Christmas
Jumbo Comics #1
Fiction House
•
1938
•
Vol. 1
First professionally published interior art by Jack Kirby, as Jack Curtiss
1st appearance of Sheena Queen of the Jungle
First adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo in a U.S. publication - reprinted from Wags (UK, 1938)
First professionally published interior art by Jack Kirby, as Jack Curtiss
1st appearance of Sheena Queen of the Jungle
First adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo in a U.S. publication - reprinted from Wags (UK, 1938)
Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1
First Funnies
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of American Ace
1st appearance of the Holy One, later known as Thakorr, a former ruler of Atlantis
Only nine copies are known to exist
This comic was intended to be a giveaway at movie theaters but it never went into full production
1st appearance and origin of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of American Ace
1st appearance of the Holy One, later known as Thakorr, a former ruler of Atlantis
Only nine copies are known to exist
This comic was intended to be a giveaway at movie theaters but it never went into full production
Smash Comics #1
Quality
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Bozo the Iron Man
1st appearance of the Invisible Hood
1st appearance of Abdul the Arab
1st appearance of Hugh Hazzard
1st cover appearance of a robot in comic books
1st appearance of Bozo the Iron Man
1st appearance of the Invisible Hood
1st appearance of Abdul the Arab
1st appearance of Hugh Hazzard
1st cover appearance of a robot in comic books
Triumph Comics #772
Triumph
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Superman in the UK
Comic strips collected and reprinted in the larger format
Issue #771 depicts Superman in an advertisement
1st appearance of Superman in the UK
Comic strips collected and reprinted in the larger format
Issue #771 depicts Superman in an advertisement
Blue Ribbon Comics #1
Archie
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
First comic published by MLJ, later becomes Archie Comics
1st appearance of Richy the Amazing Boy
First comic published by MLJ, later becomes Archie Comics
1st appearance of Richy the Amazing Boy
Amazing-Man Comics #7
Centaur
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Jane 6EM35, the Magician from Mars, a woman from the future, born to a human mother and a Martian father and, due to an early exposure to cathode rays, became the earliest female super-powered hero
1st appearance of Jane 6EM35, the Magician from Mars, a woman from the future, born to a human mother and a Martian father and, due to an early exposure to cathode rays, became the earliest female super-powered hero
Blue Bolt #2
Star Publications
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
First collaboration between Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who later co-created Captain America
First collaboration between Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who later co-created Captain America
Red Raven Comics #1
Timely
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
Debut artwork by Jack Kirby at Timely (Marvel) Comics
1st appearance and origin of the Red Raven and the Eternal Brain
1st appearance of Mercury, later becomes Hurricane then retconned to be Makkari from Kirby’s ‘Eternals’
1st appearance of Pluto who is later retconned to become Kro from Kirby's 'Eternals'
1st appearance of Magar the Mystic
This issue is the first appearance of a number of classical mythology characters but later appearances do not connect with these versions therefore they are not considered the mainstream Marvel depictions of the Olympians
1st appearance of Mercury (Hermes), Pluto (Hades), Jupiter (Zeus), Minerva (Athena), Vulcan (Hephaestus), Aeolus, Diana (Artemis), Apollo
Debut artwork by Jack Kirby at Timely (Marvel) Comics
1st appearance and origin of the Red Raven and the Eternal Brain
1st appearance of Mercury, later becomes Hurricane then retconned to be Makkari from Kirby’s ‘Eternals’
1st appearance of Pluto who is later retconned to become Kro from Kirby's 'Eternals'
1st appearance of Magar the Mystic
This issue is the first appearance of a number of classical mythology characters but later appearances do not connect with these versions therefore they are not considered the mainstream Marvel depictions of the Olympians
1st appearance of Mercury (Hermes), Pluto (Hades), Jupiter (Zeus), Minerva (Athena), Vulcan (Hephaestus), Aeolus, Diana (Artemis), Apollo
Captain America Comics #4
Marvel
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
Second written work in the comic book industry by Stan Lee
Pep Comics #17
Archie
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Hangman, the brother of Comet
Death of Comet, shot by a gangster - the first death of a superhero in comic history
1st appearance and origin of Hangman, the brother of Comet
Death of Comet, shot by a gangster - the first death of a superhero in comic history
All-Star Comics #7
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
First Batman and Superman crossover - Batman and Superman join the JSA as honorary members
First Batman and Superman crossover - Batman and Superman join the JSA as honorary members
Pep Comics #22
Archie
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Archie Andrews
1st appearance of Betty Cooper
1st appearance of Jughead Jones
1st appearance of Archie Andrews
1st appearance of Betty Cooper
1st appearance of Jughead Jones
Crime Does Not Pay #22
Lev Gleason
•
1942
•
Vol. 1
First "true crime" comic book format
Narrative Illustration: The Story of Comics
EC
•
1942
•
Vol. 1
30-page pamphlet that includes a text essay about the evolution of storytelling and sequential art or graphic storytelling, originally published in Print: A Quarterly Journal of the Graphic Arts
Written by M. C. Gaines, the founder of EC Comics and pioneer of the early modern comic book format
Two stories accompany the essay: a four-page war bond promotion titled 'The Minute Man Answers the Call' and an 8-page excerpt from 'Picture Stories from the Bible'
30-page pamphlet that includes a text essay about the evolution of storytelling and sequential art or graphic storytelling, originally published in Print: A Quarterly Journal of the Graphic Arts
Written by M. C. Gaines, the founder of EC Comics and pioneer of the early modern comic book format
Two stories accompany the essay: a four-page war bond promotion titled 'The Minute Man Answers the Call' and an 8-page excerpt from 'Picture Stories from the Bible'
Famous Funnies #100
Eastern Color
•
1942
•
Vol. 1
First comic book to reach issue #100
Classic Comics #13
Gilberton
•
1943
•
Vol. 1
First comic book to feature a horror story throughout
Referenced in Seduction of the Innocent, led to establishing the Comic Code Authority
Reason: Mr. Hyde beats a little girl to death with his cane
HRN stands for Highest Re-order issue Number on back cover - the lower the number the earlier the printing. Generally a first printing will have an HRN that matches the issue number on the front
First comic book to feature a horror story throughout
Referenced in Seduction of the Innocent, led to establishing the Comic Code Authority
Reason: Mr. Hyde beats a little girl to death with his cane
HRN stands for Highest Re-order issue Number on back cover - the lower the number the earlier the printing. Generally a first printing will have an HRN that matches the issue number on the front
Yellowjacket Comics #1
Charlton
•
1944
•
Vol. 1
First comic book published by Charlton
1st appearance of Yellowjacket, a hero who employs bees in his crimefighting
First comic book published by Charlton
1st appearance of Yellowjacket, a hero who employs bees in his crimefighting
Eerie #1
Avon
•
1947
•
Vol. 1
First comic book title dedicated to the horror genre
All Negro Comics #1
All Negro Comics
•
1947
•
Vol. 1
First comic book produced in full by black creators including writers, artists and the publisher
As quoted by editor Orrin C. Evans "every brush stroke and pen line in the drawings on these pages are by Negro artists"
Inside back cover has an advertisement for #2 but it was never published
First comic book produced in full by black creators including writers, artists and the publisher
As quoted by editor Orrin C. Evans "every brush stroke and pen line in the drawings on these pages are by Negro artists"
Inside back cover has an advertisement for #2 but it was never published
Young Romance Comics #1
Prize
•
1947
•
Vol. 1
First comic book published in the romance genre
Moon Girl and the Prince #5
EC
•
1948
•
Vol. 1
First horror story published by EC Comics titled ‘Zombie Horror’
Tap cover and swipe to see the complete five-page story
First horror story published by EC Comics titled ‘Zombie Horror’
Tap cover and swipe to see the complete five-page story
It Rhymes with Lust
St. John
•
1950
•
Vol. 1
128-page comic book measuring 5.5 x 7.75
Considered to be the first 'graphic novel' intended to bridge the gap between novels and comic books
Interior black and white art by Matt Baker
128-page comic book measuring 5.5 x 7.75
Considered to be the first 'graphic novel' intended to bridge the gap between novels and comic books
Interior black and white art by Matt Baker
Howdy Doody #1
Dell
•
1950
•
Vol. 1
First comic book adaptation of a television show
1st appearance of Howdy Doody in comic books
First comic book adaptation of a television show
1st appearance of Howdy Doody in comic books
Crypt of Terror #17
EC
•
1950
•
Vol. 1
First EC horror comic which, along with Vault of Horror #12, changed the course of the publisher and set into motion future censorship
First EC horror comic which, along with Vault of Horror #12, changed the course of the publisher and set into motion future censorship
Daring Love #1
Key
•
1953
•
Vol. 1
First interior art by Steve Ditko
Shock Illustrated #3
EC
•
1956
•
Vol. 1
Final EC comic published, with the exception of Mad Magazine
Considered the rarest EC publication, this issue had an extremely limited circulation of approximately 100 copies, most of which were distributed to staff and subscribers
Due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the widespread adoption of the Comics Code Authority, EC could not afford to bind (staple) the printed pages
As a result, nearly the entire print run of approximately 250,000 copies was destroyed
Although Shock Illustrated #4 was produced, it was never published until 2006, when all four issues (#1–#4) were released in a hardcover collection
Final EC comic published, with the exception of Mad Magazine
Considered the rarest EC publication, this issue had an extremely limited circulation of approximately 100 copies, most of which were distributed to staff and subscribers
Due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the widespread adoption of the Comics Code Authority, EC could not afford to bind (staple) the printed pages
As a result, nearly the entire print run of approximately 250,000 copies was destroyed
Although Shock Illustrated #4 was produced, it was never published until 2006, when all four issues (#1–#4) were released in a hardcover collection
Patsy Walker #106
Marvel
•
1963
•
Vol. 1
First use of a corner box on a comic cover, added to make it easier for collectors to find issues of interest when comics were often overlapping one another on a shelf
First use of a corner box on a comic cover, added to make it easier for collectors to find issues of interest when comics were often overlapping one another on a shelf
God Nose
Rip Off Press
•
1964
•
Vol. 1
Considered the first comic to be printed in the underground comix, independent genre
Collection of comic strips that were published in Charlatan, a college fanzine
Print run: 1,000
Considered the first comic to be printed in the underground comix, independent genre
Collection of comic strips that were published in Charlatan, a college fanzine
Print run: 1,000
Uncanny X-Men #6
Marvel
•
1964
•
Vol. 1
Namor is confirmed to be a mutant in this issue making him the first mutant to appear in Marvel Comics having been introduced in 1939
3rd team appearance of The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Magneto, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Mastermind, Toad
Namor is confirmed to be a mutant in this issue making him the first mutant to appear in Marvel Comics having been introduced in 1939
3rd team appearance of The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Magneto, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Mastermind, Toad
Argosy Comic Book Price Guide #1
Argosy Bookstore
•
1965
•
Vol. 1
The first known comic book price guide
Published in 1965, five years before the first published Overstreet Price Guide
Fewer than 50 copies are known to exist
The first known comic book price guide
Published in 1965, five years before the first published Overstreet Price Guide
Fewer than 50 copies are known to exist
Eerie Magazine #23
Warren
•
1969
•
Vol. 1
Cover art by Frank Frazetta
In 2019, the original art for this cover sold at auction for $5.4 million dollars
Cover art by Frank Frazetta
In 2019, the original art for this cover sold at auction for $5.4 million dollars
Green Lantern #76
DC
•
1970
•
Vol. 2
1st appearance of Appa Ali Apsa, a Guardian of the Universe
Retitled Green Arrow/Green Lantern
Issue considered by many to mark the end of the comic book Silver Age
Introduction of controversial social themes in comics - Green Lantern is reprimanded by a black man which was an expression of frustration by the creators for the lack of accurately presented black people in comics
1st appearance of Appa Ali Apsa, a Guardian of the Universe
Retitled Green Arrow/Green Lantern
Issue considered by many to mark the end of the comic book Silver Age
Introduction of controversial social themes in comics - Green Lantern is reprimanded by a black man which was an expression of frustration by the creators for the lack of accurately presented black people in comics
It Ain't Me Babe #1
Last Gasp
•
1970
•
Vol. 1
First comic book produced entirely by women
36-page one-shot by various female cartoonists who were frustrated by the misogyny that was a cornerstone of the adult-themed underground comics
Prolific and enduring publisher, Last Gasp purchased the rights to the issue for $1,000
20,000 copies of the first print run were sold and an additional 20,000 split between the second and third printings
The title, 'It Ain't Me Babe' is a snub to the Bob Dylan song of the same name due to its anti-female lyrical content
The success of this issue led to a follow-up, all-female liberation project called Wimmen's Comix Collective
Editor, writer and cover artist Trina Robbins died of a stroke on April 10, 2024 at the age of 85
First comic book produced entirely by women
36-page one-shot by various female cartoonists who were frustrated by the misogyny that was a cornerstone of the adult-themed underground comics
Prolific and enduring publisher, Last Gasp purchased the rights to the issue for $1,000
20,000 copies of the first print run were sold and an additional 20,000 split between the second and third printings
The title, 'It Ain't Me Babe' is a snub to the Bob Dylan song of the same name due to its anti-female lyrical content
The success of this issue led to a follow-up, all-female liberation project called Wimmen's Comix Collective
Editor, writer and cover artist Trina Robbins died of a stroke on April 10, 2024 at the age of 85
Fantastic Four #102
Marvel
•
1970
•
Vol. 1
Final continuous Stan Lee and Jack Kirby collaboration on the Fantastic Four title
Unpublished Kirby art used for Fantastic Four #108 but this issue marks the end of an ongoing creative team-up that began with the publication of The Fantastic Four #1
Final continuous Stan Lee and Jack Kirby collaboration on the Fantastic Four title
Unpublished Kirby art used for Fantastic Four #108 but this issue marks the end of an ongoing creative team-up that began with the publication of The Fantastic Four #1
Green Lantern #87
DC
•
1971
•
Vol. 2
1st appearance of Green Lantern, John Stewart
[October 2024 - Aaron Pierre cast as John Stewart in the Lanterns]
2nd appearance of Green Lantern, Guy Gardner
1st appearance of Green Lantern, John Stewart
[October 2024 - Aaron Pierre cast as John Stewart in the Lanterns]
2nd appearance of Green Lantern, Guy Gardner
Binky Brown Meets the Holy Virgin Mary #1
Last Gasp
•
1972
•
Vol. 1
44-page one-shot considered to be the first autobiographical comic wherein the creator utilizes the medium to confess deeply personal traumas resulting from a Catholic upbringing clashing against a post-publication diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Inspired creators including Art Spiegelman, Robert Crumb and Jim Woodring
First printing approximate copies: 55,000
Subsequent printings can be identified from the first by the absence of an illustration of the virgin Mary in the background behind a full text panel on page 23 (tap cover and swipe for clarification)
44-page one-shot considered to be the first autobiographical comic wherein the creator utilizes the medium to confess deeply personal traumas resulting from a Catholic upbringing clashing against a post-publication diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Inspired creators including Art Spiegelman, Robert Crumb and Jim Woodring
First printing approximate copies: 55,000
Subsequent printings can be identified from the first by the absence of an illustration of the virgin Mary in the background behind a full text panel on page 23 (tap cover and swipe for clarification)
The earliest known Mark Jewelers variant
On-sale June 6 1972
4-page interior Mark Jewelers advertisement, printed on paper stock and bound into the centerfold
Distributed to stores near military bases or on-site
Approximately only 5% of the print run included these advertisements
Value unknown
The earliest known Mark Jewelers variant
On-sale June 6 1972
4-page interior Mark Jewelers advertisement, printed on paper stock and bound into the centerfold
Distributed to stores near military bases or on-site
Approximately only 5% of the print run included these advertisements
Value unknown
Jungle Action #6
Marvel
•
1973
•
Vol. 2
1st appearance of Erik Killmonger, T'Challa's most persistent rival for the throne of Wakanda
Preview of Venomm, a villain introduced in Jungle Action #7
Part 1 of a 13 issue story titled "The Panther's Rage," the first Black Panther solo story arc
1st appearance of Erik Killmonger, T'Challa's most persistent rival for the throne of Wakanda
Preview of Venomm, a villain introduced in Jungle Action #7
Part 1 of a 13 issue story titled "The Panther's Rage," the first Black Panther solo story arc
Star*Reach #1
Star Reach
•
1974
•
Vol. 1
Independent comic book that pioneered mature stories for adults to a wider audience
1st appearance of Cody Starbuck
Independent comic book that pioneered mature stories for adults to a wider audience
1st appearance of Cody Starbuck
Sub-Mariner #72
Marvel
•
1974
•
Vol. 1
2nd appearance of the algae creature that appeared in DC's Aquaman #56 (1972)
Secret DC/Marvel crossover issue - see Aquaman #56 for details
Final issue of the Savage Sub-Mariner
2nd appearance of the algae creature that appeared in DC's Aquaman #56 (1972)
Secret DC/Marvel crossover issue - see Aquaman #56 for details
Final issue of the Savage Sub-Mariner
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